Check processing method, check processing program medium, and check processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Check processing involves scanning a back of a check having no authorization data printed thereon and also scanning a front of the check having preprinted magnetic ink characters, electronically generating authorization data indicating that the check is valid based on a response from an external analysis source, generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining back image data captured during the scanning of the back of the check with generated authorization data, and storing the electronic merged image with the front image data captured during the scanning of the front of the check. Moreover, these operations may be performed in a single pass of the check in one direction through a transportation path of a check processing apparatus. No printing of any data is required. The check processing can be embodied in a method, apparatus, or instructions embodied on a machine-readable medium.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 on, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/824,715, filed Jun. 28,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,478, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/746,973, filed May 10, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.7,810,714, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/116,593, filed Apr. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,831. Thecontents of each of these related applications are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method, a program medium, and anapparatus for processing checks in conjunction with using checks tocomplete financial transactions.

2. Description of the Related Art

When a check is processed for payment in a bank, authorization dataindicating that the check has been processed is imprinted on the back ofthe check. The front and back of the check imprinted with thisauthorization data are then scanned and the captured image data isstored so that the image data can be retrieved and used as proof orevidence of transaction if the customer, bank, or store later questionsthe transaction.

Check processing apparatuses such as these used in banks thereforetypically have the following devices positioned along the checktransportation path in order starting from the upstream end: a magneticink character recognition reader (MICR) for reading magnetic inkcharacters printed on each check, a print head for printing theauthorization data, and two image scanners for scanning the front andback sides of each check.

Thus positioning scanners for scanning the front and back sides of thecheck downstream from the print head increases the length of the checktransportation path and thus increases the size of the apparatus.Furthermore, if the magnetic ink character area of the check is alsoscanned in order to complement the MICR function, a third scanner mustalso be positioned upstream of the MICR. This obviously furtherincreases the size and parts count of the apparatus.

If scanners for scanning the front and back of the check are positionedupstream of the print head and the back of the check with imprintedauthorization data is also to be scanned, the check must be reinsertedafter the authorization data is printed in order to scan the back sideof the check. Operation is thus more complicated and inefficient.

To avoid the foregoing problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application2000-344428 discloses a check processing apparatus having a U-shapedcheck transportation path with a scanner, print head, and MICRpositioned in sequence from the upstream side. After printing the check,this check processing apparatus changes the check transportation pathand repeats the check scanning operation.

This check processing apparatus has two drive rollers positioned alongthe check transportation path and one transportation roller in proximityto the check exit. A reversible motor rotationally drives these otherrollers by way of an intervening gear train. The gear train turns thetransportation roller forward or reverse according to the direction themotor is driving, but the drive rollers always turn in the forwarddirection regardless of which direction the motor is turning. Morespecifically, the direction in which the motor turns controls whether acheck is conveyed to and discharged from the check exit, or whether thetransportation path is changed by a guide for changing thetransportation path and the check is thus returned to the checktransportation path.

The check processing apparatus thus arranged scans the front of thecheck, reads the magnetic ink characters, prints the check, conveys thecheck to near the check exit during a first pass of the check throughthe transportation path, and then reverses the transportation rollers toreturn the check to near the check insertion slot. The back of the checkis then printed during a second pass of the check through thetransportation path.

After then conveying the check to near the check exit again, thetransportation roller is again reversed to return the check to near thecheck insertion opening. The printed face of the check is then scannedduring a third pass through the transportation path to near the checkexit, and the feed roller drives forward to discharge the check from theexit. If the back of the check is to be scanned after the back isprinted, the check is again returned to near the check insertion openingafter the third pass, and the back of the check is then scanned during afourth pass.

The foregoing check processing apparatus thus reduces the size of theapparatus while enabling scanning both the front and back sides of aprinted check with a single check insertion operation. However, theconstruction and control of this check processing apparatus arerelatively complex, and check processing requires a long time. Thelikelihood of paper jams also increases because each check is conveyedmultiple times through the transportation path.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a checkprocessing method, a program, and a check processing apparatus forgenerating an electronic merged image in which image data captured fromthe back of a printed check is combined with authorization data in asingle pass of the check in one direction through a transportation pathof such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing object, a check processing method according tothe present invention comprises scanning a back of a check having noauthorization data printed thereon; scanning a front of the check tocapture a front image of the check, the front of the check beingpreprinted with magnetic ink characters; generating authorization dataindicating that processing payment of the check has been completed andthat the check is valid based on a reading of the magnetic inkcharacters and a response from an external analysis source, theauthorization data being generated electronically without printing theauthorization data; generating an electronic merged image byelectronically combining back image data captured during the scanning ofthe back of the check with the generated authorization data, theelectronic merged image being generated without printing any data; andstoring the electronic merged image with the front image.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a check processingapparatus configured to communicate with a host device is provided. Suchapparatus comprises a transportation path for conveying a check from acheck insertion opening to an exit opening; a transportation mechanismthat conveys the check through the transportation path; a scanningcomponent that captures both a back image of the check and a front imageof the check conveyed through the transportation path; an authorizationdata component that sends a request to the host device for electronicauthorization data indicating that the check is valid based on aresponse from an external analysis source, wherein the authorizationdata component receives the requested electronic authorization data fromthe host device if the check is determined to be valid; a merged imagegenerating component that generates an electronic merged image bycombining back image data captured during the capturing of the backimage with the received electronic authorization data without printingthe authorization data; and a memory that stores the electronic mergedimage with the front image.

The present invention is well adapted for use in a check processingapparatus that does not have print capability, thus allowing for a moresimplified arrangement of the check processing apparatus. Furthermore,the invention can be employed in completely or substantially paperlesssystems that involve transfer of electronic data between multiplecompanies and/or financial institutions.

A check typically has an endorsement area where information is writtenor printed by a payee of the check. This information verifies that thecheck was used in a particular business and may include banking accountinformation for that business, such as a store where the check is used.In generating the merged image the authorization data may be merged sothat it appears outside the endorsement area. In that case, informationwritten or printed in the endorsement area by the business is not lostor visually obscured as a result of the merging process.

In another aspect, the invention includes a medium readable by a machineembodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to executethe operations of a check processing method as described herein.

Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding ofthe invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to thefollowing description and claims taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a typical face of check;

FIG. 1B is a plan view showing a typical back of check;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a check processing apparatusaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the transportation path in ahybrid processing apparatus having the function of a check processingapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a check processing apparatusaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation from check scanning toprinting;

FIG. 6A illustrates generating the merged image data in a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B shows the printed back of check;

FIG. 7A illustrates a use of the merged image data produced in apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B shows the image data of both sides of check C printed on asingle page;

FIG. 8 illustrates another use of the merged image data produced in apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a plan view showing a face of substitute check generatedusing a check processing apparatus according to the present invention;and

FIG. 9B is a plan view showing a back of substitute check generatedusing a check processing apparatus according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A check processing method, program embodied on a medium, and checkprocessing apparatus according to preferred embodiments of the presentinvention are described below with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

An electronic payment process using a check is described first brieflybelow.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a check serial number 91 and account-holder name 92are preprinted on the face of the check C together with spaces forwriting the date 93, payee 94, check amount 95, 96, and a signature line97. The bank identification number, account number, and check number arealso printed in magnetic ink characters (MIC) 98 along the bottom on thecheck face. Validity of the check C is determined by reading andreferencing the information printed in the magnetic ink characters 98using a magnetic ink character reader (MICR) 13 (see FIG. 4).

The check user writes the date, payee, and payment amount on the face ofthe check C and then signs the check C before handing the check to thestore clerk, for example. As shown in FIG. 1B, the clerk then writes orprints an endorsement in a specific endorsement area on the back of thecheck. The endorsement typically includes information proving that thecheck C was used, as well as deposit information. The store thendelivers the check C to a bank where the store has an account. Note thatthere are two endorsement areas on the back of the check: endorsementarea C1 used for the store endorsement, and a bank processing area C2used by the bank or other financial institution for printingauthorization data. The store endorsement is thus written or printed inendorsement area C1.

When a bank receives a check that has been processed by a store or otherbusiness, the bank may print the check amount on the face of the check Cin magnetic ink characters as may be needed using a printer other thanthat of the hybrid processing apparatus 1 according to the presentinvention. The check amount may also be printed on the face of the checkC using the printing unit 120 of the hybrid processing apparatus 1according to this embodiment of the invention. The magnetic inkcharacters 98 preprinted on the check C are then read using an MICR 13,and if the check is determined to be valid, authorization data dindicating that check processing has been completed by the bank isprinted in the bank processing area C2 on the back of the check C. Thefront and back of the check C are then scanned and saved as image data.Note that while the content of the authorization data d includes thebank name, bank tracking number, processing date, and processing number,it may include other content depending upon the bank.

The bank then transfers the specified check amount from the bank accountof the checking account holder to the bank account of the store wherethe check C was used. If the check is drawn on an account in a bankother than the same bank where the store has an account, the check Cdata, including the check number and amount, is sent to that other bank,that is, the bank on which the check is drawn, for processing.

The arrangement of a check processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent invention is described next below. As shown in FIG. 2, a checkprocessing apparatus 10 according to the present invention is composedof a hybrid processing apparatus 1 for scanning, reading and printingchecks C, and a host computer 50 connected to the hybrid processingapparatus 1 for controlling generating the authorization data d and thehybrid processing apparatus 1.

The host computer 50 has an input device such as a keyboard 51 and mouse52 for data entry, and an output device such as a display monitor 53 fordisplaying error messages, prompts, and check C image data. The hostcomputer 50 communicates with the hybrid processing apparatus 1 via awired connection such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), parallelinterface, LAN, or other cable, or via a wireless connection such as awireless LAN or Bluetooth interface. Note that a wired connection isshown in FIG. 2 by way of example only.

The host computer 50 is also connected over a network (such as theInternet) to a transaction processing server for verifying check Cvalidity. The host computer 50 receives check data read by the MICR 13of the hybrid processing apparatus 1 (see FIG. 4) and sends the checkdata to the transaction processing server. Whether the check C is validor invalid is then determined based on the response from the transactionprocessing server.

The arrangement of a hybrid processing apparatus 1 according to thisembodiment of the invention is described next.

As shown in FIG. 2 the hybrid processing apparatus 1 has an imagescanning unit 100 (also shown in FIG. 3) forming a U-shapedtransportation path P for transporting checks C for scanning, a magneticink character reader (MICR) 110 (see FIG. 3) for reading magnetic inkcharacters preprinted on the check C, a printing unit 120 for printingauthorization data on the check C, and a transportation mechanism 20(see FIG. 3) for conveying checks C through the transportation path P.

As shown in FIG. 3, the generally U-shaped transportation path P is aslit-shaped path formed between an outside guide 2 a and an inside guide2 b, and has straight portions 35 a and 35 b and a U-shaped portion 34formed between and communicating with both straight portions 35 a and 35b.

When an operator inserts a check C from the check insertion opening 3 tothe transportation path P, the transportation mechanism 20 conveys thecheck C through the straight portion 35 a in the direction of arrow A,through the U-shaped portion 34 into straight portion 35 b, throughstraight portion 35 b in the direction of arrow B, and then dischargesthe check C from the check exit 4. Note that the direction of checktransportation changes 180 degrees from the insertion directionindicated by arrow A as the check passes through the U-shaped portion34. More specifically, the transportation mechanism 20 bends the check Cin a U-shape as the check C travels through the transportation path P.

Note further that this hybrid processing apparatus 1 is arranged so thatthe front of the check C normally faces the inside guide 2 b as thecheck C is conveyed through the transportation path P.

The transportation mechanism 20 has first transportation rollers 6,second transportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8. These rollersets 6, 7, and 8 are gripping rollers each having a drive roller 6 a, 7a, 8 a driven by a motor 40 shown in FIG. 4, and a pressure roller(driven roller) 6 b, 7 b, 8 b for pressing a check C against theopposing drive roller.

The first transportation rollers 6 are positioned in a first corner partof the transportation path P. A bottom of form (BOF) detector 9 ispositioned upstream of the first transportation rollers 6, and a top ofform (TOF) detector 16 is positioned downstream of the firsttransportation rollers 6. The BOF detector 9 and TOF detector 16 arereflecting or transmitting type photodetectors for detecting the leadingedge and trailing edge of a check C traveling through the transportationpath P. Driving of the motor 40 starts when the BOF detector 9 detectsthe leading edge, and the first transportation rollers 6, secondtransportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8 thus start turning.

Two scanners 11, 12 and the MICR 13 are positioned along the U-shapedportion 34 between the TOF detector 16 and the second transportationrollers 7. The two scanners 11, 12 constitute the image scanning unit100 for scanning the back and front of the check. The MICR 13constitutes a magnetic ink character reading unit 110, shown in FIG. 4.

These two scanners 11, 12 are contact image sensor (CIS) orcharge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors for scanning checks C. Theback scanner 11 is positioned on the outside guide 2 a side of thetransportation path P for capturing images from the back side of eachcheck C. The front scanner 12 is likewise positioned on the inside guide2 b side of the transportation path P for capturing images from the faceof each check C. Pressure members (rollers) 11 a, 12 a opposing scanners11, 12, respectively, with the transportation path P therebetween pressthe check C against the scanner 11, 12 surface for imaging.

The MICR 13 is a magnetic reading detector having a magnetic head forreading magnetic ink characters printed on the surface of the check C,and is thus positioned on the inside guide 2 b side of thetransportation path P so that the MICR 13 faces the front of the checkC. A pressure member (pad) 13 a is positioned opposite the MICR 13 withthe transportation path P therebetween for pressing the check C againstthe MICR 13 when reading the magnetic ink characters.

The second transportation rollers 7 are located in a second corner partof the transportation path P. The discharge rollers 8 are positioneddownstream from the second transportation rollers 7 near the check exit4. A print head 14, comprising the printing unit 120 shown in FIG. 4, ispositioned in the straight portion 35 b between the secondtransportation rollers 7 and discharge rollers 8. The print head 14 ismounted on a carriage 15, which can move along a guide shaft 15 a. Theprint head 14 can thus be moved by way of the carriage 15 to a retractedposition 19 and to a printing area 18 for printing on checks C.

To print on a check C, the print head 14 is stopped at a specificposition in the printing area 18 and is then driven synchronized tocheck C transportation to print on the check C. Though described infurther detail below, if roll paper is transported through this straightportion 35 b while a check C is not in the transportation path P, theroll paper can be printed by synchronizing roll paper transportation(sub-scanning) to print head 14 movement (main scanning).

The discharge rollers 8 and check exit 4 are positioned downstream fromthe print head 14. When printing is completed, the check C is thusdischarged from the check exit 4 by the discharge rollers 8. A dischargedetector (not shown in the figure) comprised of a reflecting ortransmitting photodetector is also positioned near the discharge rollers8 for detecting if the printed check C has been discharged. A stacker(not shown in the figure) for collecting the discharged checks C couldalso be positioned downstream from the check exit 4.

The height of the outside guide 2 a and inside guide 2 b is less thanthe height (short dimension) of the conveyed check C in areas outsidethe U-shaped portion 34 of the transportation path where the front andback scanners 11, 12 and the MICR 13 are positioned. The check can thusbe easily removed from the transportation path if a paper jam, forexample, occurs while a check is being conveyed through thetransportation path.

Though not shown in the figures, a hybrid processing apparatus 1according to this embodiment of the invention also has a roll papertransportation path overlapping part of the straight portion 35 b of thetransportation path P, in addition to the transportation path P forconveying checks C. This roll paper transportation path is substantiallyperpendicular to the check transportation path P (that is, arranged inthe direction passing through the page on which FIG. 3 is printed). Aroll paper compartment for storing roll paper is positioned in the spacebetween the straight portions 35 a and 35 b of the transportation pathP. One end of the roll paper is drawn from the roll paper compartmentinto the roll paper transportation path, and is transported along theroll paper transportation path. If a check C is not in thetransportation path P, the print head 14 moves in a main scanningdirection through the printing area 18 proximally opposite the printhead 14 to print on the roll paper. A hybrid processing apparatus 1according to this embodiment of the invention can thus both print onchecks C and on roll paper.

The hybrid processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment of the inventionalso has a vertical transportation path for vertically conveying a checkC inserted between the outside guide 2 a and inside guide 2 b from a topopening formed between the outside guide 2 a and inside guide 2 b nearthe printing area 18. This vertical transportation path is a papertransportation path for validation printing in which a check C droppedinto the transportation path from above is printed by moving the printhead 14 positioned in the printing area 18 in the main scanningdirection. When validation printing is completed, the check C is thendischarged up and out from the transportation path.

As noted above, the print head 14 in this embodiment of the invention ismounted on a carriage 15 and can thus move horizontally along thestraight portion 35 b of the transportation path P. There are thus twocheck C printing modes: a stationary print head mode in which theposition of the print head 14 remains fixed while the check C is carriedhorizontally past the print head 14 for printing, and a stationary checkmode in which the position of the check C remains stationary while theprint head 14 is moved horizontally over the check surface for printing.

When printing on roll paper the print head 14 prints one line whilebeing carried on the carriage 15 horizontally over the paper surface. Toprint multiple lines, the roll paper is advanced one line (in thesub-scanning direction) after printing one line ends, and the print head14 is then driven horizontally again (in the main scanning direction)while printing the next line. This operation repeats for each subsequentline.

Scanning a check C, reading magnetic ink characters, and printing on acheck C are described next. When a check C is inserted by the operatorin the direction of arrow A from the check insertion opening 3, thecheck C is nipped by the rollers and conveyed at a constant speedthrough the transportation path P.

More specifically, when the check C reaches the BOF detector 9, the BOFdetector 9 detects the leading edge of the check C and thus causes thedrive roller 6 a of the first transportation rollers 6 to start turning.The check C is thus nipped by the first transportation rollers 6, thatis, is smoothly gripped between the drive roller 6 a and pressure roller6 b. Rotation of the drive roller 6 a thus conveys the check C withoutslipping through the transportation path P guided by the outside guide 2a of the U-shaped portion 34.

When the leading edge of the check C conveyed by the firsttransportation rollers 6 reaches the TOF detector 16, the TOF detector16 detects the leading edge of the check C. This causes the scanners 11,12 and MICR 13 downstream therefrom to turn on and enter a standby mode.A hybrid processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention is thus arranged to prevent unnecessary power consumption bysupplying power only when needed to the necessary parts, including thedrive rollers.

When a check C travels through the transportation path P, the backscanner 11 positioned on the outside guide 2 a side scans the back ofthe check C, and the front scanner 12 positioned on the inside guide 2 bside scans the face of the check C. The MICR 13 positioned on the insideguide 2 b side then reads the magnetic ink characters preprinted on thecheck C.

As described in further detail below, the front image data g1 and theback image data g2 captured from the check C are stored temporarily inthe check front image data block 242 and check back image data block243, respectively, in the hybrid processing apparatus 1 (see FIG. 4).The CPU 220 later retrieves the image data from memory to generate themerged image data g3 and other processes.

When the leading edge of the check C passes the TOF detector 16 andreaches the second transportation rollers 7, the check C is nippedbetween the drive roller 7 a and pressure roller 7 b and is thusconveyed by rotation of the drive roller 7 a into the straight portion35 b.

When the check C passes through the printing area 18 opposite the printhead 14, the print head 14 prints to the check C. The print head 14 isstopped at a predefined position in the printing area 18 at this timeand is driven to print in synchronization with the movement of the checkC (print medium) in the main scanning direction.

After the back of the check C is printed by the print head 14, the checkC is discharged in the direction of arrow B by the discharge rollers 8.More specifically, the drive roller 8 a turns with the check C heldbetween the drive roller 8 a and pressure roller 8 b to deliver thecheck C to the outside of the hybrid processing apparatus 1, thuscompleting check processing.

The control arrangement of the hybrid processing apparatus 1 and hostcomputer 50 constituting the check processing apparatus 10 of thepresent invention is described next referring next to FIG. 4.

The hybrid processing apparatus 1 has an image scanning unit (imagescanning mechanism) 100 for scanning checks C, an MICR unit (magneticink character reading mechanism) 110 for reading magnetic ink charactersprinted on the checks C, a printing unit 120 (printing mechanism) forprinting on the back of the checks C, a detection unit 130 for detectingthe leading edge and trailing edge of the checks C, a drive unit 140 fordriving the other parts, and a control unit 200 connected to these otherparts for controlling overall operation of the hybrid processingapparatus 1.

The image scanning unit 100 includes the scanners 11, 12 for scanningthe front and back of a check, and thus captures an image of the frontand back of each check C. The magnetic ink character reading unit 110includes the MICR 13 for reading the magnetic ink characters printed oneach check C. The printing unit 120 includes the print head 14 forprinting primarily the authorization data d received from the hostcomputer 50 in the bank processing area C2 on the back of each check C.

The detection unit 130 includes the BOF detector 9 and TOF detector 16for detecting the leading edge and trailing edge, respectively, of thecheck C.

The drive unit 140 includes the first transportation rollers 6, secondtransportation rollers 7, and discharge rollers 8 (transportationmechanism 20), and the motor 40 for rotationally driving the driverollers 6 a, 7 a, 8 a of the roller sets 6, 7, 8.

The control unit 200 includes the CPU 220, ROM 230, RAM 240, andinput/output control apparatus 210 (referred to below as the I/Ocontroller) connected to each other by an internal bus 250.

The ROM 230 has a control program block 231 and a control data block232. The control program block 231 stores a program for controllingscanning, reading and printing on a check C, a program for generatingthe merged image data g3 by merging the back image data g2 captured fromthe check C with the authorization data d received from the hostcomputer 50, and other programs run by the CPU 220. The control datablock 232 stores control data for generating the merged image data g3and other data tables.

RAM 240 is used as working memory for the control processes run by theCPU 220, and includes a work area block 241 for temporarily storing dataand flags, a check front image data block 242 for temporarily storingfront image data g1 captured from a check C, a check back image datablock 243 for temporarily storing the back image data g2 captured fromthe check C, a magnetic data block 244 for temporarily storing themagnetic ink character data read from the check C, an authorization datablock 245 for temporarily storing the authorization data d received fromthe host computer 50, and a merged image data block 246 for temporarilystoring the merged image data g3 generated by merging the back imagedata g2 and the authorization data d.

The I/O controller 210 is an arrangement of gate arrays, custom ICchips, and other logic circuits for complementing the function of theCPU 220 and processing interface signals for communication withperipheral devices. The I/O controller 210 thus passes the image datacaptured by the scanners 11, 12 from the front and back sides of thecheck C, the magnetic data captured by the MICR 13, and theauthorization data and control data received from the host computer 50to the internal bus 250 either directly or after processing the data,and in conjunction with the CPU 220 outputs data and control signalsoutput from the CPU 220 to the internal bus 250 to the printing unit 120either directly or after processing the data.

Thus comprised, the CPU 220 controls the merged image data g3 generationprocess and printing on a check C by controlling signal and dataprocessing in the hybrid processing apparatus 1 according to a controlprogram read from ROM 230 through the I/O controller 210.

The host computer 50, which is connected to the hybrid processingapparatus 1 for use, has memory 54 such as ROM and RAM, a CPU 55 forcontrolling the other parts of the host computer 50, and a driver 56,which is a program for controlling the hybrid processing apparatus 1.

Memory 54 is used to store control data including data tables andcontrol programs run by the CPU 55 in ROM, and as working memory forcontrol processes and storing data temporarily in working memory andregisters in RAM. This temporarily stored data includes informationinput by the operator (such as the bank name and number), the mergedimage data g3 received from the hybrid processing apparatus 1, and thefront image data g1 from the check C.

When an authorization data request command requesting transmission ofthe authorization data is received from the hybrid processing apparatus1, the host computer 50 generates the authorization data d by adding theprocessing date, processing number, and other information to informationstored in RAM (the bank name and number), and sends the authorizationdata d to the hybrid processing apparatus 1.

The check C scanning process, the magnetic ink character readingprocess, and check C printing process of the hybrid processing apparatus1 are described next below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 5.

When a check C is fed into the hybrid processing apparatus 1 from thecheck insertion opening 3 (S01), the check C is conveyed to a positionopposite the back scanner 11 and the back scanner 11 then scans the backside of the check C (S02). The CPU 220 temporarily stores the back imagedata g2 captured from the check C through the I/O controller 210 to thecheck back image data block 243 in RAM 240.

After the back is scanned the check C is conveyed to a position oppositethe front scanner 12 and the front scanner 12 thus scans the face of thecheck C (S03). The CPU 220 then also stores this front image data g1from the check C through the I/O controller 210 to the check front imagedata block 242 in RAM 240.

After the front image data is captured the check C is conveyed to aposition opposite the MICR 13 and the MICR 13 then reads the magneticink characters printed on the check C (S04). The magnetic data capturedby the MICR 13 is sent through the host computer 50 to the transactionprocessing server, and the host computer 50 then determines if the checkC is valid or invalid based on the response from the transactionprocessing server (S05). If the hybrid processing apparatus 1 receives areport from the host computer 50 indicating that the check C is valid(S05 returns yes), the hybrid processing apparatus 1 sends anauthorization data request command to the host computer 50. The magneticdata from the check C is stored in the magnetic data block 244.

The host computer 50 generates and sends the authorization data d to thehybrid processing apparatus 1 (S06).

When the hybrid processing apparatus 1 receives the authorization datad, the hybrid processing apparatus 1 merges the back image data g2 ofthe check C stored in the check back image data block 243 with thereceived authorization data d, and thus generates the merged image datag3 (S07). This merged image data g3 is stored in the merged image datablock 246.

The check C is then conveyed to a position opposite the print head 14,which is standing by in the printing area 18 (see FIG. 3), and thehybrid processing apparatus 1 thus prints the authorization data d onthe back of the check C (S08). The check C is then discharged andprocessing ends (S09).

If the hybrid processing apparatus 1 receives a report from the hostcomputer 50 indicating that the check C is invalid (S05 returns no), thehybrid processing apparatus 1 stops processing the check C anddischarges the check without further processing (S09).

The merged image data g3 could alternatively be generated by the hostcomputer 50 merging the authorization data d generated by the hostcomputer 50 with the front image data g1 and back image data g2 receivedfrom the hybrid processing apparatus 1.

Furthermore, if the host computer 50 determines that the check is valid,the host computer 50 could immediately send the authorization data d tothe hybrid processing apparatus 1. This eliminates the steps of sending,receiving, and processing the authorization data request command.

Producing the merged image data g3 is described next with reference toFIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

The hybrid processing apparatus 1 generates the merged image data g3 asshown in FIG. 6A by pasting the authorization data d onto the bankprocessing area C2 in the back image data g2 of the check C stored inthe check back image data block 243. The result is merged image data g3functionally identical to an image of the back of the check C to whichthe authorization data d is actually printed as shown in FIG. 6B. Theback image data g2 of the check C is stored with specific imagecoordinate data in the check back image data block 243, and theauthorization data d is recorded with specific coordinate data in theauthorization data block 245. The merged image data g3 is then producedby writing the image data and coordinate data from the check back imagedata block 243 and the image data and coordinate data from theauthorization data block 245 to specific locations in the merged imagedata block 246. The coordinate data enable pasting the authorizationdata d in the back image data g2 while avoiding the endorsement area C1used by the store to endorse the check. The coordinate data can be anaddress in RAM or other such data.

The merged image data g3 thus generated is stored temporarily in themerged image data block 246. When the merged image data g3 is then savedas a result of a user instruction, for example, the merged image data g3is sent with the front image data g1 of the check C to the host computer50 and is stored by the host computer 50.

The merged image data g3 can be used by displaying the merged image datag3 on the display 53 of the host computer 50 for confirmation by theoperator (see FIG. 7A, for example), or the front image data g1 of thecheck C and the merged image data g3 representing the back of the checkC after the check C is printed could be printed and output on a singlepage as shown in FIG. 7B. This is convenient for outputting and storingimages of both sides of the check.

Furthermore, if a problem occurs the operator can enter the check serialnumber, account holder name, check date, or payee in the host computer50 to search for and output the saved image data. The retrieved data canbe output by displaying the data on the display 53 of the host computer50 or using the hybrid processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment,or by printing the data with a separate printer connected to the hostcomputer 50.

A scanner for reading a driver license or cash or credit card, forexample, could also be incorporated in this hybrid processing apparatus1. This enables also capturing an image of the driver license or cash orcredit card presented as personal identification when cashing or using acheck C, and storing the identification image with the check C imagedata. Yet further, the front image data g1, merged image data g3, andthe image data captured from the driver license or cash or credit cardcan be printed on a single page as described above or displayed on thedisplay 53 (see FIG. 8). Illegal use of forged, stolen, or lost checkscan thus also be prevented or reduced by also capturing an image of theuser's identification.

While thus featuring a compact configuration having a scanner positionedon the upstream side of the print head, a hybrid processing apparatus 1according to this embodiment of the present invention can acquire animage that is functionally identical to an image of the back of a checkC after authorization data d is printed thereto, and can acquire thisimage using a simple control and a single check insertion operation.

Furthermore, image data that is functionally identical to an image ofthe back of a check C after authorization data d is printed thereto caneven be acquired using a hybrid processing apparatus that does not havea printing function.

While electronic payment systems enabling data read from a check to becommunicated over a network for transaction processing are available,not all banks have introduced such electronic payment systems. As aresult, some banks can and some banks cannot process such check data asthe check amount and check number read from individual checks.

Another method of processing check payments in this case is by sending asubstitute check instead of the check data to banks that have not yetintroduced the foregoing electronic payment system. These substitutechecks have the check front image data, bank authorization data,magnetic ink character data, and check back image data printed out on asingle sheet.

As described above, a check processing apparatus 10 according to thepresent invention can generate image data that is functionally identicalto an image of the back of a check after the authorization data d hasbeen printed. The image data acquired as described above can thus beused to output a substitute check as described above. See, for example,FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

The present invention has been described using a check by way of exampleas the imaging medium and print medium, but the invention shall not belimited to using a check as the imaging medium or print medium. Acashier's check, promissory note, or other instrument couldalternatively be used as the imaging medium or print medium.

A function for selecting whether to generate the merged image data g3can also be rendered in the driver 56 stored on the host computer 50.This enables even more efficient operation because the merged image datag3 is generated only when needed. If generating the merged image data g3is not selected, or if the back image data is acquired after theauthorization data d has been printed, the check C can be reinserted forscanning the back of the check after the authorization data d is printedand the check C is discharged.

The method of operation of the check processing apparatus 10 or checkprocessing method of the present invention as described above can alsobe embodied as a program on a machine-readable or computer-readablemedium.

Examples of such data recording media include but are not limited toCD-ROM, flash ROM, memory cards (such as Compact Flash (R), Smart media,and memory sticks), Compact Disc (R), magneto-optical disc, DVD media,and floppy disks.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that it may bevaried in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A check processing method comprising: scanning aback of a check having no authorization data printed thereon; scanning afront of the check to capture a front image of the check, the front ofthe check being preprinted with magnetic ink characters; generatingauthorization data indicating that processing payment of the check hasbeen completed and that the check is valid based on a reading of themagnetic ink characters and a response from an external analysis source,the authorization data being generated electronically without printingthe authorization data; generating an electronic merged image byelectronically combining back image data captured during the scanning ofthe back of the check with the generated authorization data, theelectronic merged image being generated without printing any data andbeing substantively the same as an image of the back of the check withauthorization data printed thereon; and storing the electronic mergedimage with the front image.
 2. A non-transitory medium readable by amachine embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine toperform a check processing method, the program of instructionscomprising: instructions for scanning a back of a check having noauthorization data printed thereon; instructions for scanning a front ofthe check to capture a front image of the check, the front of the checkbeing preprinted with magnetic ink characters; instructions forgenerating authorization data indicating that processing payment of thecheck has been completed and that the check is valid based on a readingof the magnetic ink characters and a response from an external analysissource, the authorization data being generated electronically withoutprinting the authorization data; instructions for generating anelectronic merged image by electronically combining back image datacaptured during the scanning of the back of the check with the generatedauthorization data, the electronic merged image being generated withoutprinting any data and being substantively the same as an image of theback of the check with authorization data printed thereon; andinstructions for storing the electronic merged image with the frontimage.
 3. A check processing apparatus which is connectable to a hostdevice, the check processing apparatus comprising: a transportation pathfor conveying a check from a check insertion opening to an exit opening;a transportation mechanism that conveys the check through thetransportation path; a scanning component that captures both a backimage of the check and a front image of the check conveyed through thetransportation path; an authorization data component that sends arequest to the host device for electronic authorization data indicatingthat the check is valid based on a response from an external analysissource, wherein the authorization data component receives the requestedelectronic authorization data from the host device if the check isdetermined to be valid; a merged image generating component thatgenerates an electronic merged image by combining back image datacaptured during the capturing of the back image with the receivedelectronic authorization data without printing the authorization data,the electronic merged image being substantively the same as an image ofthe back of the check with authorization data printed thereon; and amemory that stores the electronic merged image with the front image.